Cough, sore throat, and congestion. Could it all just be a cold?!

[holdmecloser08]

So like 2 weeks ago I started having a cough. . But then I started having a sore throat maybe a week and a half after the cough started... And that was the sore throat from hell. It still hurts now too. No matter what I drank it hurt.

I got azirhromycin from the doctor. And promethazine surup( not with codeine).  When I first went to te dr,  i just had the cough. And complained of a little sore throat and some runny nose but not much. On Monday I got the congestion and I've been blowing my nose like crazy! On Monday I also called my dr back because I noticed a red dot on my uvula and that I had finished my z pack and still felt like crap.. They gave me something else. It looks like a z pack but its called methylphenidate I think. And I'm on day 3 out of 7 for that now.
So when I got the sore throat, the cough disappeared. But with the congestion, I've got the sore throat and some cough again.

I had 3 days off of work and had to call in sick so I was off for 4 days.. Went to work yesterday and was miserable! If I exert myself even a little bit, I'm tired and my throat kills.

Could it be, that I perhaps have a cold and that's why no medicine is working?

And my symptoms have been backwards. Usually I would start with congestion, then the sore throat and then the cough but this time it's all backwards..

[jemma116]

When you start to get a non productive cough with a sore throat, this can indicate a problem in the pharynx.  When we cough, this is the body's natural response to get rid of any foreign bodies - this can include solid particles, allergic substances, viral and bacterial bugs.

Having taken the antibiotics that the doctor gave you that did not help can mean that either the antibiotic was not the right one to kill off the bacteria, or the fact that you have a viral infection.  Viral infections do not respond to antibiotics.

The sore throat will eventually lessen and get better.  Although it is painful for you to swallow, you still must drink plenty of fluids.  Hot honey and freshly lemon juice is nice.  

To help ease the pain you can take pain and cold relief medications that you can buy over the counter.  Gargling with salty water is also a good way to relieve sore throats.  You can purchase sprays that are specifically sprayed into the throat that numb the soreness.  These can be purchased without a doctor's prescription from the pharmacy.

To help loosen up any congestion, do steam inhalations.  To do a steam inhalation, boil up a kettleful of water and pour this into a bowl, taking care not to get scalded.  Put some Vick or Olbas oil into the water, or any menthol oils of your choice.  Bend your head over the bowl of water and cover your head and the bowl with a towel.  Breathe in the steam through your nose and out through your mouth.  Do this for a duration of 10 minutes and try and do it 4 times a day.  As you are working, do a steam inhalation before you go to work and again when you come home and before bed time.  Doing some is better than none.

You can also buy medicated throat lozengers to help to soothe your sore throat.

[Gabbiee_]

I think you might just have a cold try getting over the counter Night Nurse it comes in a cough syrup and tablets so take your pick that should clear it up soon! Hope you feel better soon x

[CP3kids]

First, the second medicine that was prescribed to you that you said you think was methylphenidate, I can tell you with certainty that that drug is one used for ADD or ADHD not upper respiratory stuff.  It's also known as Ritalin but in it's generic form.

What you have could be virally based and in that case no antibiotic is going to touch it to help you.  Symptomatic and supportive treatment is typically what helps you get better.  However, did the doc order any blood work on you?  Any chest xrays?  Sometimes people with fatigue and sore throats are showing symptoms of mono, which is why I asked about any lab work.  I can also tell you that I had a virally based upper respiratory issue that lasted for 3 weeks before starting to clear.  I would continue to take the medicine he prescribed for you, but at the same time, insure you are taking Tylenol or Ibuprofen as well if you are not allergic..that will help with pain and body aches.  You could also have allergies that are making you experience the nose, cough and sore throat symptoms.  Many people have post nasal drip which makes them cough and get a sore throat...is the throat worse in the morning or at night or the same all day long?  If it's allergies, Benadryl can help with that as well as allowing you to sleep.  Drink Plenty of fluids, use a steamy shower or boil some water and put a towel over your head high enough above the water to not get burnt, and that will help with the congestion in your nose and chest.  Good luck!